A busy night of water rescues

Butler Eagle staff report

September 9, 2018News Extra

Northern Butler County remains under a flood warning until 11:45 a.m. today. The warning for southern Butler County is in effect until 9 a.m. today.

Moderate to heavy rain is expected as remnants of Tropical System Gordon pass through the region.

In all, as much as 5 to 6 inches of rain are expected to have fallen in the county by the end of the day, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. Widespread flooding is possible.

Numerous roads have been closed in the county due to swollen creeks and streams. Flooded basements and downed trees and wires are also keeping volunteer firefighters, street departments and utility crews busy.

Butler County's Water Rescue Team 300 has been deployed on a number of calls overnight and into this morning.

Inflatable boats were used about 12:15 a.m. to rescue three people stranded by flooded Breakneck Creek around their home on Twin Lakes Road off Textor Hill Road in Jackson Township.

“The house was surrounded by about 4 feet of water,” said Mark Adomaitis, head of Team 300.

Shortly after 1 a.m., a motorist was trapped in water on Glennwood Way near Route 38 in Center Township.

Later in the morning, two people in a vehicle needed to be rescued on Route 38 near Vin & Joe's in Summit Township around 5:30. That part of Route 38 remains closed to traffic.

Emergency crews were also dispatched shortly before 7 a.m. to help evacuate a patient at a nursing home on Evergreen Mill Road in Jackson Township, which had been cut off due to flooding.

The National Weather Service reported that of 8:30 p.m. Sunday, the rainfall in Butler was more than 3½ inches.

Meteorologist Shannon Hefferan said about 7 a.m. that another inch to 1½ inches of rain was likely through the rest of the day.

“But the heavier band (of rain) is starting to move out,” she said. By Monday evening, light showers are forecast.

The rain is expected to be “completely out,” she said, “by (Tuesday) morning.”